The pied cuckoo-dove is a species of bird in the pigeon family, Columbidae. First described by English zoologist Philip Sclater in 1877, it is endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago, where it mainly inhabits lowland and hill forests at elevations of up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft). It is a large, distinctive pigeon, with a length of 40–46 cm (16–18 in) and a weight of 279–325 g (9.8–11.5 oz). Adults are mainly black and white. The heads and underparts are whitish, while the wings, tails, and upperparts are black. Both sexes look alike. Juveniles are mainly sooty-grey in colour.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Bismarck Archipelago, mainly on New Britain and New Ireland, where it inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland and hill forests. It frequents forest edges, riverine corridors, and fruiting trees along ridges. Birds are most often seen in the mid- to upper canopy, but will descend to lower strata when feeding. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but declines where extensive logging removes key fruit resources.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking black-and-white cuckoo-dove is confined to Papua New Guinea’s Bismarck Archipelago. It forages quietly in fruiting trees and is often detected by its deep, resonant coos rather than by sight. Like many island pigeons, it relies heavily on native forest fruiting cycles and helps disperse seeds. Both parents share duties in building a flimsy stick nest and incubating the single egg typical of many columbids.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct flight and rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests are flimsy stick platforms placed in trees or dense vines. Clutches are usually a single egg, with both sexes sharing incubation and chick-rearing. Territorial around nest sites but otherwise fairly retiring.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of deep, resonant coos delivered from a concealed perch, often at dawn. Calls carry far through forest and may include slower, spaced hoots when advertising territory.
